Drinking water that is supplied from groundwater
wells is often not treated before distribution to consumers.
The recent association in Arizona between
nonchlorinated drinking water and Naegleria fowleri
infection suggests that head immersion in a nonchlorinated
water source could lead to transmission of
the organism. The study that is presented in this
article was undertaken to determine the occurrence
of N. fowleri in drinking water wells in Arizona. The
outcome of the research was that N. fowleri was
detected in 10.6% of the wells studied.
Water suppliers should consider monitoring their
wells for the presence of Naegleria fowleri, particularly
in states with warmer waters. If the organism is found,
utilities should consider treating such waters prior to distribution
to increase the level of public health protection
because the presence of such a pathogen in untreated
well water may pose a public health threat. Includes 24 references, tables, figure.
| Edition : | Vol. 101 - No. 11 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 490 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 8 |
| Published : | 11/01/2009 |
